A paedo pensioner has been jailed for almost two decades for abusing young boys in the 1990s.

Alan Rutter, 78, of Easington will likely die in prison after he was locked up for 19 years at Newcastle Crown Court this week.

He would ply his young victims with alcohol and make them watch pornography before assaulting them over several years.

Some were as young as eight years old.

He was found guilty of 11 charges following a trial, including child abduction, sexual activity with a child, indecent assault and buggery – now classed as rape.

He will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life if he leaves prison before he dies.

DCI Simon Turner, who led the investigation, said: “This was a clear case of sexual exploitation of children where Alan Rutter targeted young boys keeping them out of education to aid his own offending.

“This could not have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of specially trained investigators from Durham Constabulary’s Complex Safeguarding Team.

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“I am pleased that the courts have issued long-awaited justice for the multiple victims and that the seriousness of the offending has been recognised.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the victims who had the courage to come forward and disclose the horrendous abuse Alan Rutter subjected them to as children.

“If anyone has suffered sexual abuse, I would encourage you to contact Durham Constabulary – we believe you.”